antiMUSIC - The Music Site with an Attitude!

by Debbie Seagle

Artists of the Month, Caroline's Spine have a refreshing attitude when it comes to making music and giving their entire lives to the pursuit of that goal. Like most bands that make it to national or international attention, they have had their share of hard work and hard times. When asked what kept them going in the early days of being on the road and living in their van, vocalist/guitarist Jimmy Newquist responds, "The fact that we wanted to be the biggest band in the world. I've read interviews with artists who say, �I didn't want to be a rock star and my life sucks as a result of this fame and blah, blah, blah.' I think I can speak on behalf of everyone in the band when I say that this is the only thing we've ever wanted." Guitarist Mark Haugh adds, "There's nothing like getting on stage and making that live connection. We all feel very lucky to be making music for a living and we try to enjoy every minute of it."

The enjoyment of their craft clearly comes through in their latest CD on Hollywood Records, "Attention Please." Combining thought provoking lyrics and melody with old school guitar thunder and driving rhythms, this disk is on our short list for those you want to have with you on a long car trip. Its thump your steering wheel, nod your head, have the people in the car next to you think you are crazy kind of music.

Produced by legendary rock producer Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, Ozzy Osbourne, Cheap Trick, Cars, Local H), the first single from this latest effort, "Nothing To Prove" climbed to #9 on the modern rock charts and further perpetuated the buzz the band started with their first Hollywood Records release "Monsoon" and their contributions to such movie sound tracks as "Varsity Blues" and "An American Werewolf In Paris." BEWARE! You can get sucked into this music. The showcasing of the musical ability of each band member on "Attention Please" makes it unique and addictive. The driving vocals of Jimmy Newquist on "Nothing To Prove," the DW kicks your ass drum solo of Jason Gilardi in "Ready Set Go," progressive harmonic guitar work of Mark Haugh in "Deep In Your Wake" and incredibly intense bass work of Scott Jones on "Open Fire" demonstrate the fact that this band really doesn't have anything to prove, or if you are listening to the CD, they just did! If that isn't proof enough of their star power, keep your eyes open for a live show coming your way. One thing the CD doesn't do justice to is the passion and sensuality of their live performance. When the lights go down and they take their rightful place on the stage, they shine every bit the rock stars. Clearly they are there because that is the only place they should be and they take all their pleasure in making the audience move, rock and dig the music. Calling their fans "friends," they take their job seriously and set out to blow your mind with the music - and succeed.

In August of 1994, the members of Caroline's Spine (vocalist/guitarist Jimmy Newquist, guitarist Mark Haugh, drummer Jason Gilardi and bassist Scott Jones) decided to each quit their jobs, sell their belongings and hit the road. By hitting six cities a week and performing anywhere they could, the band began to nurture a cult following on the strength of their explosive live shows. They performed over 250 shows that year, booking each gig themselves. They toured relentlessly for over three years and supported four independent CDs before signing a deal with Hollywood Records in 1997. That first CD, "Monsoon" featured the hit single "Sullivan," which was based on the true story of five brothers who died in WWII while serving on the U.S.S. Juneau. It climbed to #23 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart as well as #14 on R&R's Active Rock Chart. Solid record sales and the success of "Sullivan" kept the band touring for an additional two years, landing them a gig aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise, as well as approving nods and open slot duties from legendary bands Aerosmith and KISS. They have also shared the stage with Bush, Limp Bizkit, Cheap Trick, Third Eye Blind and Fuel.

Currently on a break and writing material for their next project, look for Caroline's Spine to continue to shake things up in the Rock N World. They are on a rocket ride to stardom with their unwavering determination, overabundant talent and encompassing stage presence. Don't let yourself fall into the uncomfortable position of being the last one in your neighborhood to discover this band and believe - rock lives!

Meet The Band:

Jimmy Newquist (vocals, guitar)